Industry News
The public can’t seem to get enough jaw-dropping POV videos and daring action shots. This has driven the competition for action cameras even further and now has come to legal action.
On March 29, GoPro filed a complaint with the U.S. Government against the Chinese company Shenzhen Arashi Vision, better known for its action camera, Insta360. The complaint claims that six patents have been infringed upon, including its “novel and proprietary SuperView, virtual lens, HyperSmooth, and Horizon Leveling technology” used in its HERO and MAX lines. The infringements cover nearly all products sold by Insta360.
On May 1, The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) said it would formally launch a probe into the claims under Section 337 of the Trade Act of 1930. GoPro is asking that imports of Insta360 products be banned and that the company stop selling its cameras and accessories in the U.S.
A Section 337 investigation is known as an “unfair import” investigation and targets intellectual property infringement and other unfair competitive practices by goods importers. Unlike normal patent litigations, which can drag on for years, a Section 337 is designed to be resolved much faster.
Insta360 will have 20 days from receiving the complaint to respond. A deadline extension is possible, but if it fails to respond within the allotted time frame, it could be considered a waiver of any right to contest the allegations brought forth by GoPro. Once, and if a response is received, the USTIC will review the evidence presented and decide whether there’s any merit to these claims.
The complaint comes at a time when the popularity of Insta360 is on the rise. Founded only in 2015, Insta360 is the market leader for panoramic cameras with a 41% market share. Second is Japan’s Ricoh at 22%, before GoPro at third with 19%. Insta360’s overseas markets account for nearly 70% of its total revenue. Meanwhile, GoPro’s market value is $270 million, which is over 97% lower than its peak market value of $13 billion in June 2014.
In a statement to PetaPixel, Insta360 had this to say about the complaint:
“As the holder of numerous patents worldwide, we want you to know that Insta360 has great respect for IP laws and regulations. We’re confident that this matter will be resolved in our favor. There will be no impact on current business operations. We remain committed to creating innovative products for the world and helping people capture and share their lives.”
In the fiercely competitive world of action cameras, innovation and adaptability have become the cornerstones of success. Each manufacturer, driven by a pursuit of perfection, continuously pushes the boundaries of technology and design. Consumers are the ultimate beneficiaries, reaping the rewards of cutting-edge features, enhanced durability, and unparalleled visual clarity. The race, however, is far from over, and GoPro is hoping its claims can be substantiated and give it a leg up on the competition.
